World Class Sacramento River Trout Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday drift boat fishing on Sacramento or Trinity RiverTarget brown trout, rainbow trout, and steelhead with guidePrivate 8hour trip includes all gear, food, and drinks
Picture this: you're drifting down the Lower Sacramento or Trinity River with nothing but the sound of water lapping against your drift boat and the occasional rise of a rainbow trout breaking the surface. That's what you get with Peter Santley Flyfishing's full-day adventure in Redding, California. This 8-hour guided trip is designed for anglers who want to combine serious fishing with the kind of relaxation that only comes from floating through some of Northern California's most beautiful river country. With everything provided except your fishing license, you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the net and soaking up the scenery.
Your day starts early with your private guide, who knows these waters like the back of their hand. We're talking about someone who's spent years reading the currents, understanding seasonal patterns, and figuring out exactly where the fish like to hang out depending on water levels, temperature, and time of year. The beauty of this trip is the pace – there's no rushing from spot to spot or dealing with crowds. It's just you, one other angler maximum, and miles of productive water. The Lower Sacramento and Trinity Rivers offer completely different personalities. The Sac tends to be a bit more consistent with its flows and holds fish year-round, while the Trinity can be more moody but offers some of the most pristine water you'll find in the state. Your guide will make the call based on current conditions, recent fishing reports, and what species are most active. All your food and drinks are handled, so you can stay focused on reading the water and perfecting your presentation.
Drift boat fishing is an art form that lets you cover serious water while presenting your flies naturally. Your guide will position the boat to give you the best angles on likely holding spots – undercut banks, deeper pools, and seam lines where fast water meets slow. The technique here is all about controlled drifts and precise presentations. You'll be using indicator rigs most of the time, with your guide adjusting depth and weight based on what the fish are telling you. The boat allows you to fish water that's impossible to reach from shore, and your guide can hold you in the sweet spot of a run for as long as the fish are cooperating. Rod handling from a drift boat takes some getting used to if you're primarily a wade fisherman, but your guide will walk you through boat etiquette, casting angles, and how to fight fish without tangling lines or losing balance. The gear provided includes everything from rods and reels to leaders, tippet, and a full selection of proven local patterns. These guides know what flies work on these rivers, and they're constantly adjusting based on what's hatching, water clarity, and fish behavior.
Rainbow trout are the bread and butter of these rivers, and for good reason. The Lower Sacramento rainbows are known for their strength and acrobatics – these fish have been feeding heavily on aquatic insects and small baitfish, making them chunky and aggressive. Most rainbows you'll encounter range from 12 to 16 inches, with plenty of opportunities for fish pushing 18 inches or better. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day and respond well to nymph patterns and small streamers. Spring and fall offer the best rainbow action, when water temperatures are ideal and insect activity peaks. What makes catching these fish so satisfying is their unpredictability – one minute they're sipping mayflies on the surface, the next they're crushing stonefly nymphs near the bottom.
Brown trout are the river's craftiest residents, often holding in the most challenging spots and requiring perfect presentations. These fish didn't get big and old by being easy to fool. Northern California browns are notorious for their selective feeding and their preference for low-light conditions. Your best shots often come during overcast periods or in the shadows of overhanging vegetation. When you hook into a quality brown, you'll know it immediately – they fight dirty, using every piece of structure available to break you off. Most browns in these systems run 14 to 18 inches, but the potential for a 20-plus-inch fish keeps things interesting. Fall is prime time for browns as they become more aggressive before winter, making them more willing to chase larger flies and streamers.
Steelhead trout are the holy grail of these river systems, and when they're around, they change everything about your fishing strategy. These ocean-going rainbows return to spawn and bring incredible strength and stamina that fresh water fish simply can't match. A steelhead run can happen anytime from late fall through early spring, depending on rainfall and ocean conditions. These fish average 24 to 30 inches and fight like nothing else in fresh water – long, powerful runs that test your drag system and your nerves. Steelhead fishing requires patience and persistence, but when you connect with one, it's the kind of experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Your guide will know when steelhead are in the system and will adjust tactics accordingly, often switching to larger flies and heavier tippet.
This top-rated full-day experience represents some of the best trout fishing California has to offer, wrapped up in a relaxed format that lets you truly enjoy your time on the water. With only two anglers per trip, you get the personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. The combination of expert local knowledge, quality gear, and access to prime water creates the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before committing. The investment is worth it for anglers who appreciate quality guiding and want to experience these renowned Northern California rivers at their finest. Whether you're looking to improve your technique, explore new water, or simply spend a day surrounded by some of the most beautiful country in the state, this trip delivers on all fronts.
Float the Lower Sacramento and Trinity Rivers in this reliable 17' ClackaCraft drift boat, perfect for targeting brown trout, rainbow trout, and steelhead in Northern California's prime fishing waters. Built in 2018 with sturdy construction and spacious seating for up to two anglers, this drift boat handles river currents smoothly while giving you excellent casting room and fish-fighting space. The boat's efficient design lets your guide navigate shallow riffles and deeper pools where trout like to hold, while the stable platform makes it easy to land fish and enjoy the 8-hour float through Redding's scenic river corridors. All fishing gear is provided, so you can focus on reading the water and working your line through prime trout habitat.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in our rivers, averaging 12-20 inches with some hefty 5+ pounders mixed in. These European natives love deep pools, undercut banks, and any structure that offers cover during the day. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially in fall when they feed heavily before spawning. What makes them special is their wariness - they've seen every lure and learned from every mistake. The fight is strong and steady, and the meat is excellent eating. Here on the Sacramento and Trinity, focus your drifts along the shaded banks where overhanging trees create natural lies. Browns often hold just downstream of these spots, waiting to ambush food drifting by.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are the acrobats of our rivers, typically running 10-16 inches and known for their brilliant colors and aerial shows when hooked. They prefer faster water with good oxygen - think riffles, current seams, and the heads of pools. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're actively feeding on emerging insects. What guests love most is their aggressive strikes and the way they jump clear out of the water when fighting. The pink flesh makes for great table fare too. On the Sacramento, watch for rising fish during evening hatches - that's when rainbows lose their caution and feed on the surface. A well-presented dry fly during these moments often produces the best action of the day.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are ocean-going rainbows that return to spawn, and they're absolute bruisers - often 24-30 inches and built like silver rockets. They hold in deeper runs and pools, using boulders and woody cover for protection. Winter through early spring is our season here, when they're fresh from the ocean and full of fight. These fish are legendary among anglers because they jump higher and run harder than any trout you'll encounter. The challenge is what draws people back - steelhead don't eat much while spawning, so every hookup is earned. My tip for the Trinity: focus on the deeper, slower water below fast runs. Fresh steelhead often rest in these spots before continuing upstream.
Redding, CA